bazaar June 2026

CELEBRATING OUR THIRD

DINING TABLES

Designed to be the heart of every gathering.

DINING CHAIRS

Comfortable. Elegant. Made for long conversations and shared meals.

BUFFET TABLES

Practical storage with sophisticated style.

Hello beautiful June in Kuwait! I’ve lived here for most of my life, and I can’t remember a milder, more pleasant summer, ever. If I were a conspiracy theory kook, I might tend to believe some of the crazy theories about the war and radar stations and cloud seeding and how it has changed the weather, but I’m not, so we’ll leave it at that (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, google it!).

What a whirlwind of a year its been so far, but it looks like hopefully things are almost back to normal. School vacations have started, and more importantly, the airport is almost, not quite, but almost back to normal… with more and more flights every single day!

We kick off this issue with our cover story featuring Omani artist Mujahid Almalki, whose work through Sard explores what storytelling looks like in the age of artificial intelligence. At a time when technology seems to be changing everything around us, his work offers a fascinating perspective on how innovation and cultural identity can coexist rather than compete.

We also celebrate a remarkable milestone with Porsche’s 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition, a limited-production model created exclusively for Kuwait that pays tribute to seventy years of Porsche history in the region and one of the country’s most enduring cultural traditions.

From there, we take a delicious detour into one of Kuwait’s most beloved institutions, Caesars Pizza. Purva Grover shares her personal love affair with the tiny pizzas that have somehow managed to become part of the childhood memories of generations of Kuwaitis.

With chalet season officially upon us, the design experts at Abyat share their insights on creating the perfect summer retreat, while ALSAYER Toyota’s support of Kuwait’s first animated feature film, Yagoat, highlights the growing confidence and ambition of our local creative industries.

We also take a closer look at VOSS, the Norwegian water brand that transformed something as simple as hydration into a global design icon, proving that sometimes the most successful ideas are also the purest.

For those planning life’s biggest celebrations, Jumeirah Messilah Beach demonstrates why it remains one of Kuwait’s premier wedding destinations, while Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offers a collection of summer experiences designed to help us slow down, recharge, and make the most of the season.

Happy reading!

Ahmed El-Adly

that

culture, identity, and emerging technology. Through his work, Almalki explores how artificial intelligence can expand creative possibilities while remaining deeply connected to the stories, heritage, and emotions that define us.

The bazaar team...

Boss

Ahmed El-Adly

Editor

Alia Al Duaij

Operations Manager

Ihab Youssef

Content Manager

Yasmine El Charif

Design

Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media

Yasmin Gamal

Israa Odeh

Hanan Othman

Cover by

Mujahid Almalki

Communications

Hala Y. Sharara

Syndicates & Sources

Fast Company

LA Times

MCT International

Newsweek

Printing

members

www.bpaww.com

About the Cover: This month’s cover was created by Omani artist Mujahid Almalki, founder of Sard, a visual storytelling platform

blends

INDEX JUNE 2026

THE ART OF STORYTELLING IN THE AGE OF AI

Artificial intelligence may be changing how images are made, but Mujahid Almalki is more interested in how stories are told. Through Sard, the Omani artist is building a visual language where technology and heritage coexist, proving that innovation does not have to come at the expense of identity. 22 26

A LOVE LETTER TO CAESARS

Some foods become traditions. Others become memories. Twelve pizzas in, Purva Grover discovers why generations of Kuwaitis remain devoted to a tiny, unassuming bite that has outlived trends, crossed generations, and somehow still tastes exactly like childhood.

28 A TIMELESS SEASIDE WEDDING

The best weddings are remembered for how they felt, not just how they looked. At Jumeirah Messilah Beach, grand ballrooms, beachfront ceremonies, and thoughtful planning come together to create celebrations where every detail feels personal and every moment feels effortless.

34

SEVENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING

What happens when one of the world’s most iconic sports cars meets one of Kuwait’s most enduring cultural traditions? The answer is the Porsche 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition, a rolling tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and a seventy-year relationship that helped shape automotive history in the region.

62

CULTURE IN MOTION

Kuwait’s first animated feature film is more than a movie. It is a statement about where local storytelling is headed. With ALSAYER Toyota stepping in as an official sponsor, Yagoat represents a new chapter for creative ambition, cultural confidence, and homegrown entertainment.

44

SUMMER, THE WALDORF WAY

Some escapes require a passport. Others are waiting just around the corner. From spa rituals and private cabanas to poolside retreats and elevated catering experiences, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait turns an ordinary summer day into something worth lingering over.

54

THE SUMMER CHALET EDIT

Chalet season has arrived, and the difference between a place you visit and a place you never want to leave often comes down to the details. Abyat’s design team shares the textures, colors, and ideas shaping Gulf summer living this year.

70

PURE BY DESIGN

Some luxury products are complicated. VOSS built its reputation by removing everything unnecessary. From a remote Norwegian source to tables around the world, this is the story of how a bottle of water became a design icon and a lesson in the power of simplicity.

#1

What: @thesheenclub

Info: The World of Spoiled Girls

Editor’s Note: We came for the cute packaging and stayed for the comfy PJs.

#3

What: @cupful.kw

Info: Handmade pottery

Editor’s Note: Your morning coffee experience just got much better.

#2

What: @edward1882.kw

Info: A restaurant that looks like it came from the past

Editor’s Note: It’s the closest you can get to a time machine.

#4

What: @shesellsseashellskw

Info: Handmade items and everything ocean related.

Editor’s Note: A desk accessory that will always remind you of seaside breaks.

#5

What: @tin.kuwait

Info: Freshly made in Kuwait

Editor’s Note: We’re on a mission to try every cookie in Kuwait.

GYMSHARK CHECKS IN

The UK fitness brand opens its first permanent store in the country, at 360 Mall, as Kuwait’s wellness culture comes into its own..

By bazaar staff

Kuwait’s fitness scene has been quietly building for years. The boutique studios, the run clubs that fill up before sunrise, the femalefocused wellness spaces that have redefined what a gym can feel like in this city. What it hasn’t had, until now, is Gymshark.

The Birmingham-born brand, which started in 2012 as a screen-printing operation out of a garage and has since grown into a community of over 20 million people across more than 200 countries, opened the doors of its first permanent Kuwait store at 360 Mall on May 7th. It is the latest stop in a Middle East expansion that has moved quickly since the brand’s regional debut early last year, and by most measures, Kuwait was the logical next step.

The store itself is built around Gymshark’s signature retail philosophy: dedicated zones for key categories rather than a single overwhelming floor, with hero collections like Power and Vital available from opening day. The layout is designed to feel less like a transaction and more like an introduction, with in-store experiences intended to bring the community in, not just the customer.

That community focus is central to how Gymshark reads Kuwait. The country’s median age sits at around 35, and the appetite for active living among that demographic has been visibly growing. Gym memberships are up. Premium fitness spaces have proliferated across the capital. The run club has become, in its own way, a social institution. Carly, Gymshark’s Chief Commercial Officer, puts it plainly: “Since we opened our first store in the Middle East early last year, we’ve been amazed at the region’s insatiable appetite for fitness and the gym. The sheer explosion in gyms, run clubs and wellness spaces in Kuwait made it the obvious choice for our next store.”

There is also something to be said for where the store has landed. 360 Mall has long functioned as more than a retail destination in Kuwait, it is where global brands come to meet a local audience that already knows them, follows them, and has been waiting for a physical space to arrive. Gymshark’s presence there is less a debut than a long-overdue arrival.

The brand’s position has always been grounded in access rather than aspiration in the traditional sense. Its founding idea, that fitness should belong to everyone willing to show up, has translated into a communityfirst approach that sits comfortably alongside Kuwait’s increasingly inclusive wellness culture. The leggings and the shorts and the performance essentials are part of it, but the store is ultimately designed around the idea that getting through a workout is better together.

For a city that has been doing exactly that, quietly and with real conviction, Gymshark feels right on time.

Find Gymshark at 360 Mall, Kuwait City. Follow @gymshark on Instagram.

Your perfect wedding destination awaits

Exchange vows in a breathtaking setting where timeless elegance meets refined sophistication. The Badriah and Messilah Ballrooms provide a perfect backdrop of grandeur and grace for your special day.

KUWAIT, KUWAIT

THE ART OF STORYTELLING IN THE AGE OF AI

How Mujahid Almalki Is Building a New Visual Language Through Sard

By bazaar staff

For centuries, artists have used the tools available to them to translate imagination into form. From paint and film to digital photography, every technological shift has reshaped how stories are told. Today, artificial intelligence has entered that lineage, opening a new chapter that is as controversial as it is transformative. At the center of that conversation is Mujahid Almalki, the Omani artist and founder of Sard, a visual storytelling platform that blends cultural narrative with emerging technology.

The name itself carries meaning. Sard, derived from the Arabic word درس, refers to the act of narration or storytelling, the weaving together of events, emotions, and memory into a coherent narrative. For native Arabic speakers, it also suggests the act of building a story, layering it with intention, details, and choices until something tangible emerges. The choice reflects Almalki’s central idea that images, like words, can carry stories.

For Almalki, the path toward Sard did not begin with artificial intelligence. It began with photography.

Before Sard existed, photography played a huge role in shaping how he sees the world. Through the lens, he learned to observe emotion, atmosphere, detail, and timing with greater sensitivity. But beyond technique, photography awakened something deeper: a fascination with storytelling through images, particularly stories connected to culture, identity, and human experience.

“I was always drawn to visual storytelling,” he explains. “Especially stories connected to culture, identity, and human feeling.”

As his ideas expanded, however, so did the practical limits of traditional production. Many of the scenes he imagined required resources, locations, or logistical coordination that were difficult to achieve through conventional methods alone. The gap between imagination and execution became increasingly clear.

Rather than narrowing his vision, those limitations pushed him to explore new tools.

That search eventually led him toward artificial intelligence and the possibility of constructing visual worlds that would otherwise be difficult to realize. From that experimentation, Sard was born.

At first glance, Almalki’s academic background may seem far removed from the art world. He studied aerospace engineering, a discipline defined by precision, systems thinking, and analytical rigor. Yet those qualities now shape the way he approaches creativity.

Engineering trained him to think structurally, to break complex problems into workable systems,

and to refine ideas through careful iteration. That mindset now sits alongside his artistic intuition.

“I approach art with both intuition and systems thinking,” he says. “I care deeply about emotion and aesthetics, but I also think a lot about process and construction, and how an idea can move from imagination into something tangible and refined.”

The result is work that feels cinematic and atmospheric while still carrying the discipline of careful design. Behind each image lies not just inspiration but a thoughtful process of development.

Despite working with advanced technology, Almalki’s creative process begins in a surprisingly quiet place.

Before generating images or building visual compositions, he prefers to sit with an idea first. Sometimes that means collecting references, writing loose thoughts, or letting an image slowly take shape in his mind.

“For me, the creative mindset begins with stillness,” he says. “I like to sit with an idea before rushing into execution.”

Music, memories, and cultural imagery often guide this early stage. Instead of forcing ideas forward too quickly, he allows them to develop until their emotional direction becomes clear.

This patience reflects a broader belief that the tool should never lead the work. The emotional intention must always come first.

Few developments in contemporary art have sparked as much debate as artificial intelligence. Questions around authorship, originality, and ethics continue to shape discussions across the creative world.

Almalki does not dismiss those concerns. In fact, he believes the conversation is necessary.

“I understand the controversy, and I think it is important that these conversations continue seriously and honestly,” he says.

For him, the distinction lies in where authorship truly exists. While AI may assist in generating images, it does not carry the emotional experiences that give the work meaning.

“AI can generate an image, but it cannot independently feel, remember, or understand emotional nuance the way a human does,” he explains. “That part still has to come from the artist.”

In his view, artificial intelligence functions as a creative tool rather than a replacement for artistry. Just as photography once reshaped visual storytelling, AI introduces a new medium that artists can direct with intention.

“The machine does not dream for me,” he says. “It does not carry my memories, my culture, my emotions, or my perspective. My role is to direct, refine, question, and shape.”

At the same time, he emphasizes that working with emerging technology requires responsibility. Transparency, thoughtful use, and ethical awareness remain essential as the medium evolves.

One of the unexpected challenges Almalki has encountered while building Sard is the widespread assumption that AI generated imagery is effortless.

From the outside, it can appear as though the process involves little more than typing a prompt and receiving a finished image. In reality, the work often involves numerous iterations, adjustments, conceptual refinements, and creative decisions before a final piece emerges.

Another challenge has been building credibility within a medium that continues to evolve rapidly.

“When a medium is new, people often misunderstand both its limitations and its potential,” he says.

Part of his work has therefore involved demonstrating that thoughtful authorship and artistic discipline still exist within AI driven creation.

Once an image is released into the world, Almalki believes it takes on a life beyond its creator.

Viewers inevitably bring their own memories, experiences, and emotional associations into what they see. Sometimes those interpretations reveal meanings he did not consciously embed in the work.

“Sometimes those interpretations reveal something I had not consciously realized myself,” he says. “I find that very beautiful.”

For him, the success of a piece lies in its ability to create a genuine emotional connection. The openness of interpretation becomes part of the artwork’s life.

While Sard explores the frontier of digital creation, its foundation remains deeply cultural.

Almalki’s identity as an Omani and an Arab shapes the stories, textures, and atmospheres

that appear throughout his work. These references are not presented as nostalgia but as living elements within contemporary visual language.

“My cultural context is central to everything I do through Sard,” he says.

He is drawn to imagery that reflects the region’s landscapes, symbols, and emotional tones, while presenting them in ways that feel visually fresh and globally resonant.

“A lot of my work is about showing that our stories can be deeply rooted and visually forward looking at the same time.”

As Sard continues to evolve, Almalki is thinking beyond individual images or commissioned projects.

He is increasingly interested in shaping Sard into a broader storytelling platform, one that explores more cinematic and emotionally layered narratives.

“I am exploring projects that feel more cinematic, emotionally layered, and culturally grounded,” he says.

The shift reflects a desire to build something with lasting presence rather than a collection of isolated works.

When asked about the future of Sard, Almalki does not frame his ambitions solely in technological terms.

Instead, he hopes the platform will demonstrate that innovation and cultural identity do not have to exist in conflict.

“I want it to show that technology and cultural identity do not have to exist in conflict,” he says.

More than anything, he hopes Sard expands the visual language of the Arab world and encourages artists to embrace new tools without losing their voice.

“I hope Sard leaves behind a legacy of possibility,” he says. “That innovation can still carry soul, heritage, and emotional truth.”

In a moment when technology is rapidly reshaping creative industries, Mujahid Almalki’s work offers a reminder that tools may evolve, but storytelling remains fundamentally human.

Ready for stunning visuals that tell a story?

Follow @sard.visuals on Instagram.

AL BOOM RESTAURANT

Take in the views and savor the delicious steaks and fresh seafood grilled to perfection by our expert chefs. Experience dining like none other aboard Al Boom dhow, an authentic piece of Kuwait’s heritage.

12 PIZZAS IN, I FELL IN LOVE WITH KUWAIT’S FAVORITE BITE THAT RAISED GENERATIONS

Caesars’ pizza has been written about endlessly and consumed massively and lovingly, but it never gets old and, in turn, keeps us young forever, too.

By bazaar staff

The first time I was in Kuwait was in the winter of 2011—so yes, many moons ago. I had packed the best of my New Delhi (India) winter wardrobe, which meant I was prepared for temperatures between 3 and 11 degrees. I had, of course, overlooked the fact that Kuwaiti winter is like no other. I was welcomed by biting cold winds and—hello—a sprinkle of rain in December. I survived, clearly, and have returned many times since, each visit surprising me in new ways. My then-fiancé, now husband, and his family welcomed me into the country, and my limited Google search had suggested we’d be visiting the Kuwait Towers in the City (City, always with an uppercase C—much like NYC) and perhaps the Scientific Center too.

But my fiancé had other plans—alongside these must-do attractions, of course.

He wanted us to sample the food. Specifically, Caesars pizza.

Now, I would never say no to pizza, like most of us. Leftover cold pizza for breakfast, in fact, is my definition of an ideal morning. So naturally, I agreed. Little did I know how small these pizzas would be— and how large the impact they’d had, not just on my partner, but on generations who grew up eating these tiny bites. We picked ours from the shop in Salmiya. Yes, a limited delivery era; plus, it’s part of the process, the driving to experience the aroma of the space as they pack your lot.

I didn’t admit it then, but I will now, publicly: I fell in love. On many occasions, I ate 12 in a row. You always order and eat by the dozen. I’m not recommending you do the same (as you would!), but to borrow a familiar tagline of another brand—no one can eat just one.

So there I was in 2011, faced with tiny pieces of round bread topped with what even a child might describe as “just ketchup and a blob of cheese.”

That’s gourmet? My heart screamed.

Yes, his heart replied.

A large rectangular box sat between us, no plates required. The idea was simple: dive right in. And so we did. To this day, if I need an example for phrases like “don’t judge a book by its cover” or “looks can be deceptive,” I turn to Caesars’ pizza.

It’s humble, tiny, and could do with a crash course in plating etiquette. But it wins—effortlessly—for being homegrown, much-loved, and quite literally melting in the mouth. And in case that wasn’t clear enough: it has been winning the “Most Popular” title for years. Those who grew up eating it—at birthday parties, through school corridors, across teenage hangouts—are now passing on the baton. Beautifully, quirkily, and with great affection, they’re introducing it to a new generation.

Of course, in the 90s, it wasn’t as easy to secure a box for the family! It involved waiting anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. As he shares, his

father would park the car at a distance, walk to the only shop in the City, and join the long queue of customers. Today, if you’re curious (and ambitious), you might try recreating the magic at home. Bake at 180 degrees. Use a yogurt-based dough—light as walking on clouds—along with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and perhaps a touch of cream cheese. You might come close, but something always feels missing. Every imitator—online or on the streets— seems to fall short of capturing what makes this school snack-turned-adult indulgence so iconic. It refuses to grow up and, as a result, has allowed us to stay ‘kid hungry’ as well.

Hold it delicately between your thumb and middle finger and eat it in one bite. Let the cheese stretch and let the sweetness linger. Don’t worry about crumbs or licking your fingers. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching the OG Kuwait

kids eat this pizza, it’s this: it’s meant to be messy, hurried (greedy), and celebrated. And yes, you have to make a big deal of it when you cross the shop or when it arrives on the table.

To this day, every trip my husband takes back home is a chance to relive his childhood. And inevitably, he returns with a box for us to share. We try to divide it fairly—though that’s always debatable. We may have grown up in different countries (I in India) and now live in another (the UAE), but in these small, cheesy bites, while he’s found a way to rewind to something simple, nostalgic, and quietly powerful, I’ve found something to love.

Purva Grover is a UAE-based author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. You can stalk her on Instagram, @purvagr.

A TIMELESS SEASIDE WEDDING

At Jumeirah Messilah Beach, the details are never an afterthought

By bazaar staff

There is a particular kind of pressure that arrives with wedding planning, the kind that settles somewhere between excitement and overwhelm, between what you’ve imagined and what you’re not sure is possible. The right venue doesn’t eliminate that feeling entirely. But it does something almost as valuable: it takes the weight of the logistics, quietly and completely, so that what remains is the celebration itself.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach has built its wedding offering around exactly that understanding. Along Kuwait’s coastline, the resort has become one of the city’s most trusted destinations for weddings that genuinely deliver on their promise, not through scale alone, but through the kind of considered, human attention that makes the difference between a well-run event and a day people talk about for years.

The Team Behind the Day

Before any ballroom is dressed or any menu is finalised, the process begins with people. Jumeirah Messilah Beach wedding specialists operate less like coordinators and more like trusted collaborators, the kind who ask the right questions early and anticipate the answers before you’ve had to think them through. They guide couples from the earliest planning conversations through to the final moments of the evening, offering creative direction alongside the logistical confidence that comes from genuine experience.

Pre-wedding, the resort extends its care in ways that feel personal rather than procedural. Couples and their closest companions can benefit from the exquisite Talise Spa within the resort, offering a moment of stillness before the day begins and an opportunity to restore balance before the celebrations take over. Curated menu selection and setup details sessions allow choices to be made with confidence rather than guesswork, while detailed planning consultations ensure that every element of the day reflects the couple’s vision rather than a template. It is the difference between a wedding that simply takes place at a venue and one that is thoughtfully shaped by its setting and service.

Badriah Ballroom

For weddings that gather families, friends, and entire communities under one roof, Badriah Ballroom is among Kuwait’s most distinguished settings. Spanning approximately 1,950 square metres, with capacity for up to 2,000 guests, the space earns its scale without being overwhelmed by it. Soaring ceilings, elegant walnut panelling, and contemporary chandeliers create an atmosphere that manages to feel both grand and genuinely warm, no small achievement at this size.

Seven dedicated entrances, including a private VIP access point, allow arrivals and movement to flow with ease. The ballroom can be divided into three separate sections, each equipped with advanced audiovisual technology, giving couples and their planners the flexibility to design a celebration that moves and evolves throughout the evening rather than staying fixed in a single configuration.

Adjacent to the ballroom, the Bridal Suite is designed as a private world above the noise of the day. A dedicated hair and make-up area, a private bedroom for the bride’s rest, and a generous sitting room for family and close friends to gather together. The suite’s most striking detail is its mashrabiya screens, which offer a visual connection to the ballroom below, allowing the bride to watch the space fill with guests and come to life before she enters it. It is a quiet, considered touch, and it transforms preparation into something closer to anticipation.

Messilah Ballroom

For couples whose vision is more intimate, Messilah Ballroom offers a different kind of elegance. Two pillarfree spaces of approximately 405 square metres each create an open, uninterrupted environment well-suited to stylish contemporary weddings that don’t require grand scale to feel significant. Each space can be further subdivided into three smaller sections, providing flexibility without sacrificing the sense of cohesion.

Remotely controlled lighting and advanced sound technology allow the venue to shift in mood and atmosphere as the evening progresses, from ceremony through to dinner and on into celebration, with each transition feeling intentional rather than improvised.

Open-Sky Wedding Celebrations

Not every wedding belongs indoors. For couples drawn to the coastal setting that defines Jumeirah Messilah Beach, two outdoor venues offer distinct and beautiful alternatives.

Garden Café, in its outdoor form, provides a tranquil garden setting framed by lush greenery and the resort’s natural surroundings. It suits intimate ceremonies and pre-wedding gatherings particularly well, the kind of occasions where a smaller guest list and a quieter atmosphere allow every moment to register more fully.

The Sea Breeze Beach Club sits in a different register entirely. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, with uninterrupted views and the sound of the shoreline as an ambient backdrop, it is made for sunset ceremonies, beachfront vows, and the kind of evening that ends with guests reluctant to leave. As the light shifts and the air cools, the venue shifts with it, taking on a quality that no interior can quite replicate.

Both settings maintain the resort’s commitment to careful execution. The surroundings change. The standard doesn’t.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Comes to You

For couples whose celebration calls for a private residence, a family villa, or a venue of their own choosing, Jumeirah Messilah Beach extends its hospitality off-site through a bespoke catering service that brings the same culinary expertise and attention to presentation to any location. Menus are developed in close collaboration with the couple, shaped by personal taste and cultural preference, and delivered whether as an elegant plated dinner, a lavish buffet, or something entirely

bespoke. Setup, styling, and professional service staff are included, meaning that hosts can be fully present in the celebration rather than managing its logistics.

It is a considered extension of the resort’s broader philosophy: that the experience should reach wherever it is needed.

The Day Itself

What Jumeirah Messilah Beach ultimately offers is a kind of confidence. The confidence that comes from knowing the team has done this before, that the space has been thought through, that the details which could be forgotten won’t be. It is a quality that

matters most on the days when everything else is heightened, when emotions run close to the surface and small things carry disproportionate weight.

A wedding at Jumeirah Messilah Beach is not simply hosted. It is attended to, from the first planning conversation to the last dance of the evening, with a consistency of care that the day, and the people at the centre of it, deserves.

For wedding enquiries and venue bookings, please contact the Confrenece & Events team at Jumeirah Messilah Beach by calling 222 69 669 or emailing them at jmbevents@jumeirah.com

& OTHER STORIES SUMMER 26: THE VERVE

The season in its most unguarded form

Some collections arrive with a clear directive. & Other Stories’ Summer 26 has one too, but it is less a rule than a permission slip. Mix and don’t match. Anything goes.

Named The Verve, the collection channels the spirit of the season in its most unguarded form. Spontaneous, optimistic, and built for the kind of summer that starts at the beach and ends somewhere entirely unexpected. The mood is feminine but not precious, glamorous but never overdressed.

The pieces themselves move fluidly between worlds. Bias-cut satin dresses and cool silk tops sit alongside delicate camisoles, tailored shorts and slip skirts that blur the line between day and night with ease. Scarves drift in. Party separates surface. Eclectic layering is not just encouraged, it is the point.

Color does its own thing here too. Primary tones sit alongside rich jewel hues and soft pastels, while floral and paisley prints clash with full intention. There is nothing accidental about the combinations, but nothing rigid either. The collection plays with contrast the way summer itself does, warm and cool, structured and undone, polished and wonderfully loose.

Fabrics lean into the season without apology. Satin, silk, and the kind of fluid drape that moves well in heat. Key silhouettes include bias-cut dresses that skim the body without clinging, fluid tops that work as hard at midnight as they do at noon, and separates designed to be pulled apart and worn in ways the collection never intended.

Accessories sharpen the mood considerably. Cross-strap silver heels, red leather woven sandalettes, petite suede bags in bold orange, and statement rhinestone jewelry bring an edge to what might otherwise feel too easy. They are the punctuation that keeps the collection from drifting into softness it was never after.

The Verve is ultimately a collection about attitude. It does not ask you to dress for an occasion so much as for a feeling, the particular energy of a summer day that has no fixed plan and no real end point. & Other Stories has captured that feeling and given it a wardrobe.

The & Other Stories Summer 26 collection is available in stores and at stories.com.

By bazaar staff

SEVENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING: SADU EDITION IS KUWAIT’S OWN

To celebrate the first Porsche sports car imported to the Middle East, a limited production of just 20 vehicles will be available exclusively for the Kuwait market.

By bazaar Staff

Porsche is marking 70 years of the brand in the Middle East with a limited-edition model. The Turbo S Sadu Edition is based on the latest 911 Turbo S (992.II generation) and will be exclusively available in Kuwait, with just 20 vehicles being produced.

The first Porsche sports car imported to the Middle East was a Porsche 356 Cabriolet brought to Kuwait by Morad Behbehani in 1956. Seven decades on, Behbehani Motors Company remains the official importer for Porsche in Kuwait.

The edition models feature additional exterior and interior Sadu patterns that pay homage to the region. The 20 vehicles will have the special finishing touches applied by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur department in Zuffenhausen, adjacent to the 911 production line.

“The Turbo S Sadu Edition combines high performance with exclusive craftsmanship,” said Dr. Manfred Bräunl, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Middle East and Africa.

“This very special project has been years in the making and the final product is a fitting tribute to the Behbehani family’s 70-year Porsche story.”

A tribute to Kuwait’s Sadu heritage

Al Sadu is a traditional form of wool weaving that creates horizontal patterns, often in bold, dark

colors. The style has a long history across the Arabian Peninsula, including Kuwait.

Sadu is both a cultural tradition and an artistic practice. It is one of the most prominent and enduring crafts in Kuwait. The distinctive geometric patterns historically carried both symbolic meaning and decorative value.

Recognized for its cultural significance, Sadu weaving was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, affirming its place as a lasting symbol of Kuwaiti identity that continues to inspire contemporary design today.

A special edition for Kuwait

Drawing on this cultural heritage, Porsche has translated these traditional design elements into the Turbo S Sadu Edition.

“The Turbo S Sadu Edition reflects both the traditions of the Kuwait market and the individualization capabilities of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur,” said Ali Behbehani, President of Behbehani Motors Company.

Interior highlights and finishing details

The Sadu Edition is equipped in a two-tone leather interior in Black and Bordeaux Red, with accents in Lightsilver. The interior is individualized with a hand-stitched cross-stitch in GT Silver (cross) and Bordeaux Red (rows) on the upper parts of the dashboard, doors, rear compartment, seats and center console.

A highlight is the customized Sports Seat Plus with a new textile showing the Sadu pattern in the colors Bordeaux Red, Guards Red, GT Silver and Black. Moreover, the centers of the door panels are refined with the Sadu pattern textile. ‘70 Years’ is embossed in the headrests in Arabic letters to commemorate the anniversary.

A GT sports steering wheel in smooth-finish leather in Black with Bordeaux Red 12 o’clock marking, stitching in GT Silver and a colored Porsche crest. The center console storage lid with embossed Exclusive Manufaktur logo is upholstered in Bordeaux Red leather and features hand-stitched cross-stitch in GT Silver.

Complementing the interior, the vehicle key, key case, and owner’s manual wallet have been individually refined with exclusive design features unique to the Sadu Edition.

The black brushed aluminum door sill guards feature 20 square elements, illuminated in White, with the seventh square illuminated in Red to commemorate [CH1] 70 Years of Porsche in Kuwait and echo the 20 units built for this edition. Seat belts are in Silver Grey to contrast the predominantly red interior.

A Burmester® High-End Surround Sound System is fitted, along with a Sports Chrono stopwatch instrument dial with a digital tacho in Black.

Bespoke exterior design and detailing Accented by the SportDesign Package in Black (high-gloss), the elegant exterior in Cremewhite [CH2] (51A) creates a refined and sporty appearance. The 20″/21″ Sport Classic wheels are specially painted in Cremewhite and Black

(high-gloss) and show the colored Porsche Crest instead of Turbonite – as does the bonnet.

A special badge on both b-pillars highlights the name ‘Turbo S Sadu Edition’ in Gold. On the lower sections of the doors and the underside of the rear wing, the Sadu pattern is applied as a decal in the colors Bordeaux Red, Guards Red, GT Silver and Black.

Other external highlights include an Exclusive Design Fuel Filler Cap, Sports Tailpipes Titanium and an electric slide/tilt glass sunroof. The car also features front axle lifting system and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) highlighted by black high-gloss brake calipers.

“We are pleased to introduce the Sadu Edition for this very special anniversary,” said Alexander Fabig, Vice President, Product & Individualization Offering, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG.

“This edition not only incorporates special cultural elements but also highlights our attention to detail and craftsmanship. Both of these elements express our appreciation for this traditional and passionate market.”

Further personalization through Sonderwunsch

For those wanting even further individuality through Porsche’s extensive Sonderwunsch program, owners can select a Sadu pattern fabric lining for the frunk and / or the glove box for the ultimate personalization.

70 years of Porsche in Kuwait

The presence of Porsche in Kuwait dates back to 1956, when Morad Behbehani imported Kuwait’s first sports car, a Porsche 356 Cabriolet. This established Behbehani Motors Company as the first Porsche dealership in the Middle East and one of the earliest worldwide.

For more information on the everything Porsche related, visit Porsche Centre Kuwait in Shuwaikh or follow Porsche Centre Kuwait @porschecentrekuwait on Instagram.

H&M STUDIO RESORT 2026

A Sun-Drenched Ode to the South of France

By bazaar staff

The languid glamour of the French Riviera has always been a mood as much as a place. H&M Studio’s Resort 2026 collection understands that instinctively. Inspired by the south of France, it captures the region’s particular tension between free-spirited creativity and undeniable glamour, translating it into pieces that feel equally at home at a morning market or a terrace dinner as the sun goes down.

The collection moves between floaty dresses, kaftans and crochet knits on one hand, and softyet-structured tailoring on the other. Embroidery, rope details, handkerchief hems and antique-style buttons lend a handcrafted quality to the whole. The mood is one of unhurried elegance. Beauty in imperfection. Ease over polish.

For the color palette, sun-kissed yellows, burnt ochre and sandy beige meet crisp white, black and deep navy. Fabrics are summer-ready: breezy linen, cotton and viscose. Among the standout pieces is a white cotton blouse and miniskirt set with a sailor collar, embroidery and handkerchief hem. Dresses include a burnt ochre long crochet sleeveless style with a sunflower pattern, high leg slit, racerback and ruffles, and a yellow maxi dress with an open back, ruffle seams and contrast stitching.

A beige linen-mix blazer arrives with a pointed collar, a long line of buttons and a soft curve to the waist, paired with matching shorts in a neat, slightly A-line silhouette. There is also a deceptively simple white cotton dress that plays on the apron

shape with a draped bust, embroidered straps and generous volume.

Accessories complete the picture with the same sun-soaked confidence. A burnt ochre triangle bikini in an abstract sunflower print, red leather thong kitten heels, a boat shoe mule, a butter yellow baguette bag, green oval sunglasses and sunflower-shaped earrings round out a capsule that feels cohesive without being matchy.

“For H&M Studio Resort 2026, we wanted to capture the incredible duality of the south of France,” says Kathrin Deutsch, H&M Studio collection designer. “Bohemian creativity alongside effortless glamour. We have woven that tension into every detail, from embroidery to the relaxed drape of fabrics, creating pieces that feel both artful and polished. Then we added a few sailor-inspired details to give a more edgy, raw feel.”

The H&M Studio Resort 2026 collection will be available in stores and online in Kuwait from 21 May.

MORE THAN 1000 IKEA® PRODUCTS ARE NOW AT EVEN LOWER PRICES

IKEA

Kuwait has now lowered the prices on over 1,000 products, and the timing could not be better. This summer, four of life’s most-loved moments get a little more affordable.

By bazaar Staff

First, IKEA lowered prices on 900 + of your favorites, now that number has increased to over 1000 products. IKEA has been keeping their promise, year after year, they work to make everyday life at home more affordable and are promising even more product prices still to drop. The Even Lower Prices is a long-term initiative rooted in the belief that well-designed, functional living should be within everyone’s reach. This is a significant affordability milestone in the brand’s history in Kuwait. More products, more rooms, more moments in your life touched by the simple conviction that you should not have to choose between quality and cost. Being By Your Side for a better life is not a milestone IKEA reaches and moves on from. It is a commitment that shows up in every decision, every reduction, and every step of the way.

With summer arriving in full force, four distinct chapters of Kuwaiti life are taking center stage this June: chalet season, the pursuit of hobbies, fresh food living, and the ever-present world of social media. Across all four, Even Lower Prices from IKEA make it easier than ever to show up fully, beautifully, and without compromise.

Chalet Season: Where Summer Actually Lives

In Kuwait, the chalet is not just a weekend destination. It is a state of mind. It is where families exhale, where friendships pick up exactly where they left off, and where long evenings stretch out with no

particular agenda. Getting that space right matters, and it does not need to be complicated or costly. With Even Lower Prices on a wide range of chalet essentials, this is the season to set the scene properly. Stock up on soft, generously sized towels that handle the constant rotation between pool and shore. Add a beach umbrella or two for the kind of effortless shade that makes an afternoon genuinely last. Then anchor it all with outdoor furniture built for the way chalet life actually unfolds: relaxed, communal, and always ready for one more person. Think easy-to-clean surfaces, stackable solutions that make the most of compact spaces, and touches

of color that feel cheerful rather than curated. The chalet is a place for living, not for impressing, and the IKEA range understands that instinctively. Bring the fun. Leave the worry at the door.

Hobbies: Finally, the Space and the Tools

There is something quietly powerful about a hobby. It is the part of your day that belongs entirely to you, the corner of life where you are not performing productivity or ticking boxes. Whether it is painting, sketching, working through a 1,000-piece puzzle, or settling in for a long board game night, every hobby deserves a proper home.

This summer, Even Lower Prices make it more achievable than ever to set that space up well. Arts and crafts supplies from IKEA mean that creative pursuits no longer require a trip to a specialist shop or a significant budget, just the time and the inclination. And for puzzles and board games, look to the clever storage tables in the IKEA range, fitted with drawers: surfaces that hold the game in progress on top while keeping everything else neatly out of sight below. No more abandoned puzzles swept aside to make room for dinner. The table remembers where you left off, and so does the fun. When your space works

with your hobby rather than against it, you actually come back to it.

Fresh

Food Living: Eating Well, Storing Smarter Summer and fresh food are inseparable in this part of the world. Farmers’ market hauls, weekend meal prep, the cold carafe of water refilled constantly throughout the day, the platter assembled for guests who arrive unannounced and leave very full. Fresh food living is a whole philosophy, and the kitchen and dining spaces that support it deserve to be both functional and genuinely inviting. This season, one of the most satisfying things

you can do with an abundance of fresh fruit is pour it into an ice lolly mould. The moulds available at IKEA make it effortless: blend your juice, fill, freeze, and hand them out to children and adults alike. It is the kind of small domestic pleasure that costs almost nothing and delivers every time. Beyond that, Even Lower Prices extend across the kitchen and dining essentials that make fresh food living feel effortless rather than effortful: storage that keeps produce visible and within reach, serving pieces that make the table look considered without hours of effort, and solutions that extend the life of your ingredients and your peace of mind.

Social Media: Curate Your Space, Curate Your Story

Whether you are a dedicated content creator or someone who simply appreciates a home that photographs well, the visual language of your space matters more than ever. In an era where a corner of your living room can become a backdrop, a kitchen counter can become a set, and a beautifully laid table can stop a scroll, the details carry real weight.

Even Lower Prices at IKEA now include a range of solutions that content creators will find genuinely useful. Lighting makes or breaks a shot, and affordable lighting options from IKEA mean you no longer need a professional setup to achieve a well-lit, flattering result. Add a phone stand to free your hands and find your angle, and a charging cable that keeps everything running through a long filming session without the frantic search for a plug. Then there is the space itself: considered color, layered texture, objects that earn their place both functionally and aesthetically. The best content comes from spaces that are truly lived in, and IKEA has always been in the business of helping you live better.

A Promise That Keeps Expanding

What began as a commitment to lower prices on more than 900 products has become something larger. Crossing 1,000 is not just a number. It is a signal that IKEA Kuwait is serious about affordability as a permanent value, not a temporary gesture. Across every room, every season, every chapter of life in Kuwait, the Even Lower Prices label is there to remind you that quality and affordability are not opposites. They never were.

IKEA Kuwait is By Your Side for a better life. And the proof is in every price tag.

Discover all Even Lower Prices products in IKEA Kuwait stores, in the catalogue, at www.IKEA.com.kw, or on the IKEA App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

WHERE SERENITY AND SUMMER INDULGENCE COME TO LIFE

Luxury

catering, Spa rituals, cabana dining, and poolside escapes await at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait this June

By bazaar staff

As June unfolds, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait invites guests to discover a season shaped by calm, connection, and refined indulgence. From moments of spa serenity and private cabana dining at OXIO to serene poolside escapes and luxury catering summer privileges, each experience is thoughtfully designed to elevate the rhythm of summer living.

BY

Elevate summer gatherings with refined catering experiences by Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, where award winning chefs, customized menus, elegant presentation, and exceptional hospitality come together to create memorable occasions. Thoughtfully curated for private celebrations,

corporate gatherings, and exclusive events, each experience is designed with seamless service and meticulous attention to detail.

From lavish buffet selections and live cooking stations to Arabic coffee service and beautifully styled setups, every element is tailored to deliver a sophisticated and elevated dining experience. Guests may choose from a selection of bespoke

catering packages crafted to suit every occasion.

Catering offerings:

Silver Catering | KWD 35 per person | Minimum

50 guests

Gold Catering | KWD 40 per person | Minimum

40 to 50 guests

Diamond Catering | KWD 45 per person |

Minimum 40 to 50 guests

LUXURY CATERING

WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT, SUMMER PRIVILEGE

Within the tranquil setting of Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, the Summer Serenity Escape offers a refined journey designed to restore balance and elevate the senses. Each element is thoughtfully curated to create a seamless experience of relaxation, renewal, and quiet indulgence.

The journey begins with a 60-minute AMRA 24K Gold Bespoke Massage, easing tension

through tailored techniques that promote deep relaxation. This is followed by a 30-minute body exfoliation with a nourishing sugar scrub, designed to smooth, refine, and refresh the skin.

A 30-minute express hydrating facial restores radiance and vitality, enhancing the complexion with a luminous glow. The experience concludes with a 30-minute Alpha Sphere sensory relaxation session, enveloping guests in a state of complete tranquility and calm.

[Continued...]

SPA SERENITY AT WALDORF ASTORIA KUWAIT

OXIO CABANA DINING EXPERIENCE

At OXIO Pool Lounge, dining is reimagined through an exclusive cabana experience, where comfort, privacy, and refined flavors come together in a serene poolside setting. Designed as a retreat from the day, the experience invites guests to unwind in a space defined by ease and understated sophistication.

Guests are welcomed into a cool, airconditioned cabana, where a curated sharing menu for two is served, thoughtfully crafted to complement the relaxed surroundings. The setting encourages connection and leisure, creating an atmosphere ideal for gathering, dining, and unwinding.

Blending culinary enjoyment with a sense of escape, OXIO’s cabana experience offers a distinctive way to enjoy the season in comfort and style.

Small Cabana | KWD 50 for two guests

Large Cabana | KWD 80 for four guests

POOL SERENITY

Beneath the open sky, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offers a tranquil poolside retreat where relaxation unfolds with effortless elegance. Designed as a sanctuary from the city’s pace, the experience invites guests to unwind in an atmosphere of calm and refined leisure.

Whether seeking a peaceful escape, quality time with loved ones, or a memorable family day, guests may enjoy the experience through a selection of curated day passes, complemented by attentive service and exceptional dining.

Day Pass Experiences:

Signature Day Pass | KWD 45, including KWD 15 dining credit

Couple Sanctuary | KWD 70 for two guests, including KWD 30 dining credit

Family Escape | KWD 85 for 2 adults and 1 child, including KWD 35 dining credit

Grand Family Escape | KWD 90 for 2 adults and 2 children, including KWD 40 dining credit

Scan the QR code to learn more and make reservations.

Nasal Aspirator

Gentle and fast. Clears stuffy noses with ease.

• 2 tip sizes

• 2 suction levels

• Suitable for infants & toddlers

• Easy twist-off nasal tip for cleaning among doctors1

WHAT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY SAYS ABOUT YOU

Spending, saving, giving, hoarding: the way you handle money is rarely just about money

By bazaar staff

Most conversations about money are really conversations about something else entirely. Security. Control. Love. Self-worth. The numbers are almost beside the point. What sits underneath them, the emotional logic that drives every financial decision, is where the more interesting story lives.

The scarcity mindset and where it comes from People who grew up in households where money was tight, or unpredictable, often carry a scarcity mindset long after the circumstances that produced it have changed. Brené Brown, in The Gifts of Imperfection, writes that scarcity is the never-enough problem, a culture of comparison and competition that starts early and runs deep. The instinct to hoard, to under-spend even when spending is reasonable, to feel anxiety at a depleted balance regardless of what remains, is not irrational. It was once adaptive. The problem is that it tends to persist into conditions where it no longer serves, quietly limiting choices and generating stress that has no proportionate cause in the present.

Spending as emotional regulation For others, money flows out easily, sometimes too easily, and the pattern is worth examining. Retail therapy is a cliché because it describes something real: the temporary relief that a purchase can provide, the way acquiring something new can briefly quiet anxiety, loneliness, or boredom. Morgan Housel, in The Psychology of Money, observes that spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money, but more pointedly, that most financial decisions are driven by ego and emotion rather than logic. The purchase is rarely the point. It is the feeling the purchase

produces, and understanding what feeling you’re actually chasing is more useful than any budgeting app.

Money and control Some people use money, consciously or not, as a way of managing their environment and the people in it. Paying for everything in a group can be generosity, but it can also be a way of maintaining a particular dynamic. Withholding financial support can be punishment. Giving money in place of time or attention is its own kind of statement. Suze Orman has long argued that the most dangerous thing about money is the silence around it, the way families and couples avoid the conversation until a crisis forces it open. The relationship between money and power operates in most families and many friendships, and recognizing it is the first step to changing it.

What generosity actually reveals How and why a person gives money away is one of the more honest windows into their character. Lewis Hyde, in The Gift, draws a distinction between gifts that circulate freely and commodities that are exchanged for return, arguing that true generosity operates outside the logic of transaction entirely. Generosity that requires an audience is a different thing from generosity that happens quietly. Giving that comes with conditions attached is a different

thing from giving that expects nothing back. Knowing which one you practice, and why, tells you something about what you’re actually trying to accomplish with the gesture.

The stories we inherit Like values, financial patterns are largely inherited. The family that never discussed money produces adults who find the subject uncomfortable. The family that treated wealth as a measure of worth produces adults who tie their self-esteem to their balance sheet. Vicki Robin, in Your Money or Your Life, argues that most people have never stopped to ask what money actually costs them in terms of the hours of their life spent earning it, and that the unexamined financial life tends to be a reactive one. Examining those inherited stories, not to blame anyone, but to understand the operating system you’re running, is how you begin to make genuinely chosen financial decisions rather than unconsciously repeated ones.

The question underneath every financial decision What am I actually trying to feel? Security. Freedom. Respect. Belonging. As Morgan Housel puts it, the goal of investing is not to earn the highest returns but to earn the returns that let you sleep at night. The same principle applies to spending and saving. Money is a tool. What you’re building with it is always worth knowing.

THE ART OF LEBANESE HOSPITALITY, REIMAGINED AT LI BEIRUT

Chef Ali Awada brings warmth, memory and a refined new menu to Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

By bazaar staff

In Kuwait, Lebanese dining has long been woven into the rhythm of everyday life. It is the cuisine of family lunches that stretch into late afternoons, of lively tables layered with mezze, charcoal smoke rising from the grill, warm bread passed from hand to hand, and conversations that linger long after dessert is served.

Yet at Li Beirut at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, the experience is moving beyond nostalgia alone. Under the leadership of newly appointed Chef Ali Awada, the restaurant is embracing a more personal expression of Lebanese hospitality and generosity, one deeply rooted in culture and engraved in memory through moments shared around the table..

A Childhood Shaped by the Lebanese Table

For Awada, the story begins in Beirut, in his grandmother’s kitchen.

“It was never only about the food,” he says. “It was the feeling around the table, the warmth, the

sharing, the care that went into every dish. That feeling stayed with me.”

Those early memories would shape a career that eventually brought him to Kuwait, a country he now considers a second home after more than a decade spent building his culinary journey across some of the region’s leading hospitality and dining destinations.

Today, as Head Chef of Li Beirut, Awada returns to the cuisine closest to his heart, bringing with him an approach that honours Lebanese culinary traditions while introducing subtle contemporary touches shaped by years of experience in Kuwait and across the GCC.

“Lebanese cuisine is about balance and simplicity,” he explains. “It’s rooted in the land and the seasons, but above all, in the spirit of sharing and bringing people together around the table.”

A New Chapter for Li Beirut

Since opening in 2024, Lï Beirut has established itself as one of Kuwait City’s most vibrant Lebanese dining destinations, known for its open kitchen, live music, and warm atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from relaxed breakfasts and leisurely lunches to lively dinners overlooking the city skyline.

Under the leadership of Chef Ali Awada, the restaurant now enters a new culinary chapter, one that further strengthens Li Beirut’s identity through a deeper celebration of Lebanese culture, authenticity and the comforting flavours that evoke the feeling of gathering around a family table at home.

The new menu focuses on elevating familiar Lebanese classics through refined techniques, thoughtful presentation and carefully layered flavours, while remaining deeply respectful of tradition and the emotional connection guests have with the cuisine.

The Chili Pepper Prawns Hummus offers a refined twist on the traditional Levantine staple, layering velvety chickpea purée with subtle spice, seafood richness and delicate sweetness, while the Crunchy Golden Arayes reimagines one of the Levant’s most familiar comfort foods through crisp breading, yogurt and tahini dip, pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts, bringing new texture and refinement to a deeply nostalgic dish. Elsewhere, the Citrus Kebbeh balances brightness and richness through hummus muhamara and caramelised walnuts, while signature mains such as the Samke Harra, baked in a sea salt crust and finished with coriander, pine nuts and confit garlic, reflect the menu’s balance between authenticity and refinement.

Alongside the core menu, Lï Beirut is also introducing signature dishes dedicated to different days of the week, creating moments of discovery inspired by the traditions of Lebanese homes and family gatherings. From slow cooked classics to dishes deeply rooted in Levantine family traditions, the weekly specials celebrate the kind of cooking often associated with gathering around the table at home.

“The flavours should feel genuine,” says Awada. “I don’t believe in overcomplicating Lebanese food.”

The evolving culinary identity of Li Beirut also reflects Kuwait’s longstanding relationship with Lebanese cuisine, one shaped by authenticity, gatherings, and shared experiences around the table.

Citrus Kibbeh

Crunchy Golden Arayes

Samke Harra

From relaxed breakfasts and leisurely lunches to vibrant evenings accompanied by live music, the restaurant has been designed as a destination guests can return to throughout the day, where every experience feels both warm and thoughtfully refined.

What ultimately defines this new chapter of Lï Beirut is its sense of sincerity. In a city deeply connected to Lebanese dining, the restaurant distinguishes itself through an experience that feels genuinely personal, one rooted not only in flavour, but in emotion, memory and the art of making people feel at home.

The Luxury of Feeling at Home

For Awada, luxury has little to do with excess. It is found instead in consistency, care, and the ability to make guests feel genuinely welcomed to a warm home experience from the moment they arrive.

[...Continued]

“When guests place their trust in you, you must live up to it in everything that you do,” he says. “For me, it is about creating moments where people feel connected, satisfied, and genuinely cared for. I want every guest to leave feeling as though they have experienced something deeply familiar, yet elevated in a meaningful way.”

At Li Beirut, that feeling now arrives in many forms: in the scent of grilled bread emerging from the open kitchen, in the brightness of citrus and herbs layered across a table of mezze, and in dishes that carry the comfort of home into one of Kuwait’s most elegant dining rooms. For more information, follow @libeirutkuwait on Instagram.

THE ABYAT SUMMER CHALET EDIT

Your definitive chalet guide, for a chic summer experience

By bazaar Staff

There is a particular kind of anticipation that arrives with chalet season in Kuwait. The weeks before summer properly settles in, when families begin the ritual of airing out spaces, restocking shelves, and reimagining rooms that have sat quiet since the year before. The chalet is not just a weekend escape. For many Gulf families, it is a second life entirely, one with its own rhythm, its own rules, and its own version of home. Our friends at Abyat, helped us understand how to get it exactly right.

What that home looks like has changed significantly over the past decade. Where chalets were once functional by necessity, places to sleep between the beach and the pool, they have evolved into something closer to a private resort. The aesthetic has softened and grown more deliberate. Spaces are lighter, more considered, and increasingly built around the feeling of effortless ease rather than the appearance of it. The chalet is no longer purely seasonal either. Families are furnishing and styling these spaces to be used year-round, and that shift has changed the kinds of decisions being made at every stage of the process. Comfort, flexibility, and the ability to host spontaneously have moved to the center of the brief. Abyat, which has long understood how Gulf families actually live, has become the destination for anyone approaching their chalet with real intention this summer.

The Space Comes First

Every chalet haul begins with the bones of a space, and to make the most of this season’s good weather, outdoor seating is the non-negotiable first decision. Lounge sets and balcony dining arrangements are leading the category, built around aluminum frames coated to mimic natural materials such as wood and travertine. The aluminum construction means no rust, which matters more than it might sound in a pool or seaside environment. The fabrics chosen for these pieces are engineered specifically for Kuwait’s summer conditions: UV-tolerant, water-resistant enough to allow for practical, mess-free cleanup after a long day outside, and durable enough to hold their shape and color through a full season of daily use without sacrificing the look or feel of something you actually want to spend time in.

The indoor-to-outdoor flow matters more than most people account for when they begin furnishing a chalet. Aluminum sliding doors with seamless,

embedded frames have become a defining feature of modern chalet design. When closed, they offer an uninterrupted panoramic view that keeps the outside present even from inside the room. When open, they create a wide, unobstructed passage between spaces that makes the division between indoors and out feel like a choice rather than a limitation. This physical and visual connection changes how a chalet is experienced throughout the day, making it feel larger, freer, and more naturally suited to the way Gulf families actually move through a weekend.

The Experience of a Gulf Summer Weekend

Once the furniture is in place, the character of a chalet is built through smaller and more personal decisions. Morning coffee taken on a lounge chair before the heat arrives. Afternoons where the rhythm slows, towels are stacked by the pool, and outdoor cushions hold their shape through hours

of use. Evenings where the outdoor dining table becomes the center of everything, and where the quality of the lighting determines whether the night extends or ends early.

Shade is not an afterthought in Kuwait’s summer. It is part of the architecture of outdoor living, and the right solution changes how long a space gets used and how comfortable that use actually is. Pergolas and shade solutions have become as central to the chalet conversation as the furniture they shelter, with customers thinking vertically and outward simultaneously. The best chalet setups account for this from the beginning, treating shade as a structural decision rather than a late addition.

Abyat’s summer textile range earns its place across all of these moments. Poolside towels designed for high UV-resistance and easy washing, selected with Kuwait’s sun in mind. Quick-dry cushions that move between sun and shade without fuss. Breathable cottons, woven textures, and linen-inspired finishes that hold their softness through a season of frequent use and regular washing. The palette this summer runs from sand and warm whites through olive greens, dusty blues, muted terracotta, and greige. These are colors that sit quietly against natural surroundings rather than competing with them, easy to combine and easier still to live with across an entire season. Woven finishes and understated stripes are carrying the trend, with customers gravitating consistently toward subtle texture over heavy pattern.

Layering is the principle that holds everything together. Not matching, but combining. Tonal variation, mixed textures, and a loose approach to coordination create the effortless atmosphere that defines the spaces worth remembering. Abyat approaches its summer collection with this in mind at every level: practical enough to withstand how these spaces are actually used, elevated enough to feel like somewhere worth returning to every single weekend.

Mirrors add light and character to any room

Choosing the right curtains will soften the harsh sunlight and heat

Add comfortable stools in the kitchen for an extra breakfast nook.

These easy to clean sofas and seating options add an airy touch to your chalet living room

The Details That Make It

The finishing touches are where a chalet shifts from styled to genuinely lived-in, and they are almost always the pieces people underestimate at the start. Trays on outdoor tables. Lanterns grouped near a seating area. Candles that hold their own against an evening breeze. Towel warmers that bring a genuine resort quality to any poolside setup, the kind of detail that guests notice immediately and that changes the tone of an entire morning by the pool. Outdoor lamps and ambient table lighting that layer warmth into a space after sundown, transforming the same terrace that was practical and bright all day into somewhere that invites people to stay later than they planned.

The sequence of a well-built chalet haul at Abyat follows a clear logic. Start with outdoor seating and a dining setup that can hold a crowd without looking like it is trying to. Layer in quickdry cushions, shade solutions, and decorative lighting once the layout is settled. Finish with the accessories that give a space its personality: towels folded by the pool, a tray holding glasses and a single candle, a lantern catching the last of the evening light. Each category within Abyat’s summer range has been selected with performance and aesthetic held in equal regard, for a market that expects both without being asked to choose between them.

There is nothing accidental about a chalet that feels this good. The best ones simply make it look that way.

Shop the summer chalet edit online at abyat. com, the Abyat Showrooms: Shuwaikh and The Warehouse Mall and follow @abyatkuwait on Instagram.

The Laimoona collection will add zest and freshness to every meal

UV resistant fabrics are perfect for your outdoor pool area

CREAMY AND COOL

NEW Iced Velvetino range, crafted for a smooth sip

Iced Cherry Velvetino

Iced Classic Velvetino

Served with oats milk

DON’T JUST SEE EUROPE. FEELIT.

Jazeera Airways new flights directly connect you to the beauty of Northern Italy, London’s streets, and Budapest’s charm.

By bazaar staff

This summer, travel is about more than simply reaching a destination. It’s about wandering through centuries-old streets and discovering stories around every corner. It’s about sharing a meal overlooking an Italian lake, watching a sunset over the Danube, or feeling the energy of one of the world’s greatest cities come alive around you.

As travelers seek more meaningful journeys and memorable experiences, Jazeera Airways is making Europe more accessible than ever with an expanding network that brings some of the continent’s most exciting destinations within easy reach.

With the launch of direct flights to Milan Bergamo, the return of Budapest, and the introduction of direct services to London Luton, travelers from Kuwait now have even more opportunities to experience Europe their way. Whether it’s a family holiday, a romantic escape, a cultural adventure, or a spontaneous city break, these destinations offer experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Because this summer isn’t just about seeing Europe.

It’s about feeling it.

ITALY: WHERE EVERY MOMENT FEELS

Some destinations invite you to slow down, savor every moment and feel the beauty around you. Northern Italy is one of them.

Jazeera Airways’ new flights to Milan Bergamo open the door to a region where stunning landscapes, world-famous cuisine, rich history, and effortless beauty come together in unforgettable ways.

While Milan draws visitors with its reputation as a global fashion and design capital, Bergamo offers an experience all its own. Wander through its beautifully preserved medieval streets, enjoy panoramic hilltop views, and discover the authentic charm that makes this city one of Italy’s hidden gems.

The real beauty of Milan Bergamo lies in where it can take you. Lake Como, Lake Garda,

Verona, Venice, Turin, and even Switzerland are all within easy reach, allowing travelers to experience multiple sides of Europe in a single journey.

Summer brings the region to life. Lakeside cafés buzz with conversation, festivals fill historic squares, and long evenings invite leisurely strolls through some of Europe’s most picturesque settings.

NORTHERN

TIMELESS

LONDON: FEEL THE ENERGY OF A GLOBAL ICON

Some cities never lose their ability to inspire, and London has a rich history of doing just that.

Every neighborhood offers a different experience, from the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and Westminster to the creativity of Shoreditch and the charm of Notting Hill.

Visitors can spend the morning exploring world-famous museums, the afternoon shopping along Oxford Street, and the evening enjoying a West End performance. Food lovers can discover cuisines from around the world, while sports enthusiasts can experience the excitement of Premier League football firsthand.

Starting this July, Jazeera Airways will connect Kuwait directly to London Luton Airport.

More than a destination, London is an experience that unfolds differently every time you visit.

BUDAPEST: A CITY TO EXPERIENCE AFTER DARK

Some cities impress you immediately. Budapest stays with you.

Set along the banks of the Danube, Hungary’s capital blends grand architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture into an experience that feels both elegant and approachable.

Spend your days exploring historic castles and charming cafés, then watch the city transform as evening falls and its iconic landmarks illuminate the riverfront. Relax in centuries-old thermal baths, discover local cuisine, or take a sunset cruise along the Danube for one of Europe’s most memorable views.

With Budapest returning to Jazeera Airways’ network this July, travelers once again have access to one of Europe’s most rewarding citybreak destinations.

A JOURNEY FOR EVERY KIND OF TRAVELER

The beauty of travel is that no two journeys are ever the same.

Families can create lifelong memories exploring museums, parks, and historic landmarks. Couples can enjoy romantic escapes filled with unforgettable dining and beautiful surroundings. Friends can embrace vibrant nightlife, shopping, and adventure, while solo travelers can immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences.

Whether it’s the elegance of Northern Italy, the energy of London, or the charm of Budapest, every destination offers something different to discover, experience, and remember.

DON’T JUST SEE THE WORLD. FEEL IT.

As Jazeera Airways continues to expand its European network, travelers from Kuwait have more opportunities than ever to experience Europe beyond the postcard moments.

From the lakes and villages of Northern Italy to the iconic streets of London and the timeless beauty

of Budapest, every journey offers something far more valuable than a destination. An experience.

This summer, don’t just see the world, feel it.

Ready to plan your next European escape? Visit www.jazeeraairways.com or download the Jazeera Airways app to book your journey. For the latest route announcements, travel inspiration, and special offers, follow @jazeeraairways on Instagram.

FOSI AUDIO MD3 MAGNETIC DAC HEADPHONE AMP

The Fosi Audio MD3 is a compact portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for high-resolution listening on the go. Attaching magnetically to compatible smartphones, it combines premium audio performance with a sleek, pocket-friendly design. Powered by an ESS Sabre DAC and balanced amplifier architecture, it supports highresolution playback while offering both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone outputs. Dual USB-C ports allow simultaneous charging and listening, while a rotatable LCD display adds convenient playback monitoring and controls in an impressively compact form factor.

SHANLING EC PLAY PORTABLE CD PLAYER

The Shanling EC Play reimagines the portable CD player for modern listeners, combining retro appeal with contemporary audio technology. Designed with a transparent body and compact form factor, it supports both traditional wired listening and wireless playback through Bluetooth. Beyond CDs, it can also function as a standalone digital audio player, supporting local music files and highresolution playback. With a built-in rechargeable battery, dedicated audio controls, and a design that celebrates physical media, it offers a nostalgic yet surprisingly versatile listening experience for a new generation of music fans.

SONY 1000X THE COLLEXION HEADPHONES

Created to mark the tenth anniversary of Sony’s acclaimed 1000X series, The Collexion is a luxuryfocused version of the brand’s flagship wireless headphones. Replacing plastic with premium vegan leather and metal accents, it prioritizes comfort, craftsmanship, and refined sound. New carbon-composite drivers, AI-powered audio upscaling, spatial listening modes, and advanced noise cancellation elevate the listening experience, while a redesigned carrying case adds a fashionforward touch. Positioned as Sony’s most stylish and premium headphones yet, it blends highend audio performance with a distinctly elevated design language.

PANASONIC LUMIX L10 PREMIUM COMPACT CAMERA

The Panasonic Lumix L10 is a premium fixed-lens camera designed for photographers who want professional image quality in a compact everyday carry format. Featuring a bright Leica 24–75mm f/1.7–2.8 zoom lens, a large Micro Four Thirds sensor, and Panasonic’s Real Time LUT color system, it combines creative flexibility with a strong focus on straight-out-of-camera results. A built-in OLED viewfinder, articulating screen, AI-powered autofocus, and retro-inspired design make it equally suited to street photography, travel, and content creation.

REMARKABLE PAPER PRO

The reMarkable Paper Pro is a digital notebook designed to replicate the feel of writing on paper while expanding the possibilities of note-taking, reading, and organization. Featuring a large color E Ink display, adjustable reading light, and improved writing responsiveness, it allows users to annotate documents, sketch ideas, and manage notes without the distractions of a traditional tablet. Its minimalist interface focuses on productivity and focus, making it a compelling option for students, professionals, and anyone looking to replace paper notebooks with a more versatile digital workspace.

TWELVE SOUTH POWERCLIP

The Twelve South PowerClip is an ultra-compact portable power bank designed to go wherever you do. Roughly the size of an AirPods Pro case, it delivers a 2000mAh battery capacity capable of providing a quick boost to smartphones and other small devices. Built-in USB-C cables eliminate the need to carry extra cords, while passthrough charging allows it to recharge itself and a connected device simultaneously. A built-in ring and included carabiner make it easy to attach to keys, bags, or zippers, ensuring backup power is always within reach.

ALSAYER AND TOYOTA DRIVE CULTURAL INNOVATION AS OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF “YAGOAT,” KUWAIT’S FIRST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

How a Historic Sponsorship Is Shaping Kuwait’s Creative Future

By bazaar Staff

Kuwait’s first fully animated feature film now has a powerful name behind it. ALSAYER Toyota has stepped in as the official sponsor of Yagoat, a production that has been quietly generating excitement long before its release, not because of its budget or its backers, but because of what it represents. For the first time, a Kuwaiti animated film sets out to tell a story that is entirely, unapologetically local. The humor, the dialect, the cultural texture, all of it drawn from the everyday fabric of Kuwaiti life. That alone makes it historic. That ALSAYER Toyota chose to stand behind it makes it possible.

Kuwait has always had a creative pulse. Long before streaming platforms and social media gave local voices a global stage, Kuwaiti television drama was considered among the finest in the Arab world. Productions from the 1960s through the 1990s shaped a generation of viewers across the region, with Kuwaiti dialect, wit, and character becoming instantly recognizable and deeply loved. Theater flourished. Radio told stories that families gathered around. Satirical comedy found its voice here. That tradition of bold, culturally rooted expression never disappeared. It simply waited for the right vessel to carry it forward. Yagoat may well be that vessel.

The growth of the local film and animation industry depends on a robust support system for home-grown talent. ALSAYER Toyota’s involvement highlights the critical role of corporate leadership in fostering an environment where local writers, animators, and artists can thrive. As the company

puts it: “Supporting Yagoat is an investment in the future of Kuwaiti storytelling. By championing local creativity, we are helping to build a sustainable industry that empowers the next generation of digital artists and filmmakers to dream bigger.” For years, local creators have worked without the institutional backing that transforms ambitious ideas into finished productions. Yagoat, supported by one of the country’s most recognized automotive brands, changes that equation. It demonstrates that the private sector can play a meaningful role not just in commerce, but in culture.

One of the most compelling aspects of Yagoat is its ability to serve as a bridge between Kuwait’s rich heritage and its tech-savvy youth. The film achieves a delicate balance: preserving local dialects, folklore, and humor while utilizing world-class animation styles that resonate with younger audiences, and delivering themes of community and identity that appeal to all

ages. By sponsoring this project, ALSAYER Toyota is helping to ensure that Kuwaiti culture remains vibrant and accessible, fostering a sense of national pride through modern entertainment.

The journey of Yagoat from concept to the big screen demonstrates the vital importance of brand partnerships in the creative arts. Meaningful initiatives require more than just vision. They require the resources and platform that established entities like ALSAYER Toyota provide. This collaboration serves as a blueprint for how the private sector can enable creative projects that carry significant national weight. It is a testament to the belief that when corporate leaders and local creators align, the result is not just a film. It is a lasting contribution to the nation’s cultural legacy, one frame at a time.

Follow @yagoat_movie on Instagram to learn more about the movie and book your tickets.

HUMBO

Humbo helps you find beautiful places that you will love. There are plenty of websites that help you decide how to get to a place and where to stay. Humbo helps you decide where to go in the first place.

PAWSE.AI

Most dogs left alone for four or more hours show measurable stress responses. Most apps respond with playlists. Pawse.ai is an acoustic regulation system for dogs. It plays scientifically structured audio through your Apple TV or iPad while you’re out, frequencies and patterns calibrated for canine hearing, not human preference. You start and stop it from your phone, anywhere.

OBSIDIAN

Store notes on your device, so you can access them quickly, even offline. Use hundreds of plugins and themes, to fit your way of thinking.

SCHEDULED

Schedule your texts through iOS Messages and WhatsApp. Use the app to compose message reminders, import your contact’s birthdays, schedule repeated text to send later.

LISTY

Listy is an app to keep track of your favorite things privately using lists. You can save in the same app your favorite restaurants, movies, books, video games or anything you want. We are currently in Beta for both our iPhone & Android apps.

TWOS

Clear your mind, stay organized, and be productive by simply writing things down. Twos is more than a notes app, it allow you to capture notes, todos, reminders, calendar events and lists, in one simple place.

SHOP SMARTER WITH XCITE XPAY

Xcite’s new flexible payment plan lets you take home the tech you want today, and spread the cost over four months.

By bazaar Staff

There is rarely a good time to spend a lump sum on electronics. The laptop you need for work does not wait for payday, and neither does a broken washing machine, a gaming console your household has been eyeing, or a smartphone upgrade you have been putting off for longer than you would like to admit. Financial timing is rarely convenient, and the gap between wanting something and being able to pay for it in full can feel frustrating when the need is real. Xcite XPay was built around exactly that reality.

The right pair of earbuds on a morning commute. A watch that quietly tracks your stress levels while you’re in back-to-back meetings. A charger that doesn’t make you anxious about battery percentage. These are the details that smooth out the friction of modern life, and increasingly, they’re where the most thoughtful product design is happening.

At Xcite, the accessories category has quietly evolved into something far more considered than a shelf of add-ons. It’s a curated space where functionality and lifestyle meet, and where the range reflects a genuine understanding of how people actually live — not just how they use their devices.

Mobile and IT accessories are the most immediate example. Once an afterthought, they’re now among the most personal purchasing decisions a person makes. Apple AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds have become daily companions for millions, moving effortlessly between a focused work session, a gym set, and a phone call without missing a beat. The sound quality has caught up with the convenience, and for many, a day without them feels notably incomplete. Alongside audio, the ecosystem of accessories that supports device use has grown considerably smarter. Anker’s fast charging range, for instance, is built around the reality that people are always moving — offering rapid power-ups that fit into the margins of a busy schedule rather than demanding dedicated downtime. Logitech’s keyboards, mice, and desk accessories, meanwhile, have become the quiet infrastructure of hybrid working, making the transition between home office and out-ofoffice feel less like a compromise and more like a choice.

Wearables occupy a different kind of space in this conversation. The Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are products that have had to earn their place, and in doing so, they’ve redefined what a watch is for. Step counting was just the beginning. Today, these devices monitor heart rate variability, track sleep quality, detect irregular

rhythms, and offer a level of personal health data that would have required a clinical setting not long ago. They also, importantly, look good doing it. The design language of premium wearables has matured to the point where they sit comfortably alongside a tailored outfit or a casual weekend look, making them as much a considered style choice as a functional one.

What makes the Xcite accessories experience particularly interesting, though, is the way it extends beyond the traditional boundaries of tech retail. The online offering, in particular, opens up a different kind of discovery. Fragrance, for example, sits alongside gadgets not as an odd pairing but as a logical one, because both serve the same underlying purpose: they’re personal, they’re daily, and they say something about who you are. Brands like Dior, Chanel, and YSL bring that dimension of self-expression into the mix, offering everything from signature scents to newer releases that have been building quiet momentum. It’s an addition to the catalogue that acknowledges lifestyle doesn’t begin and end with screens.

The toys and play category tells a similar story. LEGO, alongside other leading names in creative play, speaks to a growing recognition that the home is a space for imagination as much as productivity. Whether it’s an adult collector building an architectural set on a weekend afternoon or a child working through a themed kit, there’s something in the act of making that the bestdesigned play products understand and support. It’s not a peripheral category — it’s a reflection of how people want to spend their time when they’re not working.

Accessories today carry more weight than the word suggests. They are not finishing touches or backup options. They are the layer of daily life that sits closest to how you actually feel — how focused you are, how connected, how comfortable, how put-together. The right ones don’t just support the bigger purchases; they make the bigger purchases worth having.

Xcite’s expansion into this broader accessories landscape is a recognition of that shift. The offering has grown because the definition of what matters in daily life has grown with it. From the earbuds you reach for first thing in the morning to the fragrance you apply before leaving the house, these are the choices that accumulate into something that feels, over time, like a life well-equipped.

XPay is available now, in every Xcite store and online. To stay up to date with the latest offers, monthly promotions, and exclusive contests, subscribe to the Xcite newsletter at xcite.com, shop directly at www.xcite.com, or follow Xcite on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat at @xcitealghanim, and on Facebook at XcitebyAlghanim.

WHISTLER

By Ann Patchett, Fiction

At fifty-three, Daphne Fuller unexpectedly reunites with Eddie Triplett, the former stepfather she has not seen since childhood, after a chance encounter at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their brief but deeply influential relationship ended decades earlier following a lifealtering event that reshaped both of their futures. As Daphne revisits memories of family, loss, and the choices made on her behalf, the novel explores how childhood experiences continue to echo through adulthood. Reflective and emotionally layered, it examines memory, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of feeling truly known by another person.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

By Sarah Vaughan, Thriller

As celebrated children’s author Dame Eleanor Kingman prepares for her lavish seventieth birthday celebration at her clifftop estate, a threatening message threatens to unravel the carefully constructed life she has built. When a body is discovered on a storm-battered beach nearby, long-buried secrets begin surfacing among family members, friends, and guests gathered for the occasion. As tensions rise and loyalties fracture, the novel explores power, privilege, and the stories people tell to protect themselves. Atmospheric and sharply observed, it weaves family drama and psychological suspense into a tense and unsettling mystery.

THE SOMEDAY GARDEN

By Ashley Poston, Romance/Fantasy

When Sophie Drear takes a temporary position restoring the grounds of the enchanting Lilymoor House on the coast of Maine, she expects a quiet escape and a fresh start. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the estate’s sprawling gardens, eccentric residents, and a mysterious door that never appears in the same place twice. Beyond it lies a hidden, unfinished garden and a man trapped within. As strange forces threaten the future of Lilymoor, Sophie becomes entangled in a story of grief, healing, love, and magic, where the past and present intertwine in unexpected ways.

THE UNICORN HUNTERS

By Katherine Arden, Fantasy

In this contemporary fantasy novel, a group of teenagers becomes entangled in a dangerous hunt tied to the legend of unicorns, uncovering a hidden world that exists alongside their own. As myth and reality begin to collide, they are drawn into a conflict far older and more powerful than they imagined. Forced to navigate secrets, shifting loyalties, and forces beyond their understanding, the characters must confront what they are willing to risk in pursuit of truth. Atmospheric and imaginative, the novel blends folklore, adventure, and coming-of-age themes with Katherine Arden’s signature sense of wonder.

DAUGHTERS OF THE SUN AND MOON

By Lisa See, Historical Fiction

Set in early twentieth-century China, this sweeping novel follows two sisters whose lives diverge dramatically as political upheaval, family expectations, and social change reshape the world around them. Bound by loyalty yet separated by circumstance, they navigate love, sacrifice, and survival against a backdrop of transformation and uncertainty. As their choices lead them down very different paths, the story explores the enduring ties of family, the weight of tradition, and the resilience required to forge an identity in a rapidly changing society. Richly detailed and emotionally layered, it reflects Lisa See’s continuing fascination with women’s lives across generations.

By Andrew Sean Greer, Fiction

Set on a glamorous island retreat, Villa Coco follows a group of guests whose lives become unexpectedly entangled during what should have been an idyllic escape. Beneath the beauty of the setting, tensions simmer as old regrets, hidden ambitions, and complicated relationships begin to surface. As the characters confront personal crossroads and long-buried truths, the novel explores reinvention, connection, and the fragile stories people tell themselves about who they are. With wit, emotional insight, and sharp observation, Andrew Sean Greer crafts a reflective and layered portrait of people searching for meaning in the midst of change.

VILLA COCO

PURE BY DESIGN: THE VOSS STORY

The Norwegian water brand that turned hydration into an icon

By bazaar staff

Norway is not a country that does anything quietly. Its fjords are the world’s most dramatic, its winters the most uncompromising, and its standards, in almost every domain, among the highest on earth. It is fitting, then, that one of the world’s most recognizable water bottles was born there, in the unspoiled south of the country, where an artesian source produces water of exceptional, almost implausible, purity.

VOSS has been bottled at that same source for over two decades. The water rises from deep beneath the ground, naturally filtered, never exposed to air or surface pollutants, arriving with a Total Dissolved Solids count of just 40 mg/L. For context, Evian sits at 357. San Pellegrino at 1,109. VOSS is not simply cleaner by degree. It is in an entirely different category. That mineral restraint is precisely what gives it its character: a taste so clean it barely registers as taste at all, which is,

paradoxically, the point. Scientists and independent certified laboratories test every batch against U.S. Federal, Norwegian, and international standards. The results, across hundreds of parameters, are consistently the same. Not detected. Not detected. Not detected.

The bottle arrived in 2000 and immediately rewrote the visual language of water. Cylindrical, architectural, topped with a brushed metal cap, it looked less like something from a supermarket

shelf and more like something from a design museum. It became a fixture on the tables of the world’s finest restaurants, in the minibars of the most distinguished hotels, in the hands of people who understood that the vessel is never incidental. Part of what drives that loyalty is purely practical: the purity of VOSS means it is easier to drink, clears the palate more effectively, and never sits heavily on the stomach, which is why restaurants that carry it report it outsells competitor waters by

an average of twenty per cent. @VOSSWORLD is, as of the brand’s last count, the most followed bottled water account on Instagram, with close to half a million followers and a reach that extends well into the world of luxury travel, fine dining, and high-end hospitality. Beauty, as it turns out, sells water. But so does taste, once you have experienced the difference.

The product range reflects the same considered thinking as the design. The Still comes in both the original glass bottle and 100% recycled PET in two sizes, offering the same source water in formats suited to a candlelit dinner table or a beach bag. The Sparkling, which carries a TDS of just 280, is finer and more delicate than most of its category, its bubbles calibrated to lift rather than overwhelm, making it a natural companion to seafood, fruit, and anything requiring a clean finish. For those who prefer their water with a flavored dimension, the Sparkling line extends into Raspberry Rose, Lime Mint, and Lemon Cucumber, each guilt-free, calorie-free, and precise enough in flavor to work

as a standalone drink or as a mixer for cocktails and mocktails alike. Summer, in other words, is well covered.

Then there is the VOSS+ range, which takes the base water and adds function. VOSS+ Aquamin draws on a mineral complex sustainably harvested from the coastal seas of Iceland, offering calcium, magnesium, and 72 trace minerals for hydration that works harder than still water alone, designed for the active and the always-in-motion. VOSS+ Vitamin D delivers half the recommended daily value of the vitamin per bottle, with a faint citrus essence that makes the supplement feel like a pleasure rather than an obligation. VOSS+ Collagen provides 10g of collagen per bottle for those who prefer their skincare to begin from within, paired with a subtle berry fruit essence and housed, like its siblings, in 100% recycled PET. The logic is consistent across all three: take something already exceptional and make it work harder, without compromising the purity that defines it.

That sustainability commitment runs deeper

than the bottle itself. The production facility operates entirely on renewable energy. Suppliers are regional. Solid waste has been reduced by ninety per cent. A dedicated train runs from the harbor to the factory, keeping road freight to a minimum. For a brand built on the idea of leaving nothing unnecessary inside the bottle, it makes sense that the same discipline extends to what it leaves behind in the world.

What VOSS has always understood is that luxury is not excess. It is precision. It is the removal of everything unnecessary until what remains is exactly right. In a summer where more of us are reaching for water over wine, choosing hydration as a ritual rather than an afterthought, there is something quietly radical about a bottle that has held that same conviction for twenty-five years. Pure by design. Beautiful by necessity. Norwegian, through and through.

You can find VOSS at supermarkets, co-ops or buy directly from keelkw.com.

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE

Genre: Action, Adventure

Cast: Idris Elba, Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes

Synopsis: After being separated from his home for fifteen years, Prince Adam is guided back to Eternia by the legendary Sword of Power. There, he discovers a world devastated by the ruthless rule of Skeletor. To save his family and restore peace to the kingdom, Adam must reunite with trusted allies Teela and Duncan, confront powerful enemies, and finally embrace his destiny as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.

WE BURY THE DEAD

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Cast: Daisy Ridley, Brenton Thwaites

Synopsis: Following a catastrophic military disaster, the dead begin to rise, turning a tragedy into a terrifying fight for survival. Determined to find her missing husband, Ava sets out into a landscape transformed by fear and violence. As she searches for answers, she discovers that the threat is far more dangerous than anyone imagined. What begins as a desperate rescue mission soon becomes a confrontation with horrors that challenge everything she thought she knew about life, death, and survival.

FUZE

Genre: Action, Thriller

Cast: Sam Worthington, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Synopsis: When an unexploded World War II bomb is discovered at a busy construction site in central London, the city is thrown into chaos. As police and military forces race to evacuate thousands of people, tensions rise against the backdrop of a rapidly unfolding emergency. With time running out and uncertainty mounting, the discovery sets off a high-stakes chain of events that threatens to disrupt the heart of the city.

POWER BALLAD

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas

Synopsis: Rick, a wedding singer whose best days seem behind him, forms an unexpected connection with Danny, a former boy band sensation struggling to maintain his fame. After a late-night jam session inspires a hit song, Rick is stunned when Danny’s version becomes a major success. Convinced the recognition should be his, Rick embarks on a determined quest to reclaim credit for the music he created. Directed by John Carney, this comedy explores ambition, friendship, and the unpredictable path of creative success.

DISCLOSURE DAY

Genre: Thriller

Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor

Synopsis: A question changes everything: what if humanity discovered it was not alone? When undeniable proof emerges that intelligent life exists beyond Earth, the revelation sends shockwaves across the world. As fear, curiosity, and uncertainty collide, individuals are forced to confront what this discovery means for their future, their beliefs, and their place in the universe. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this suspenseful thriller explores the consequences of a truth that can no longer be ignored.

THE RITUAL ROOM

Genre: Horror, Mystery

Cast: Patricia Allison, Matthew Cottle

Synopsis: Years after losing their daughter in a tragic car accident, Amy and Alex Cummings remain haunted by grief and the emotional scars left behind. With Alex frequently away on business, Amy struggles under the weight of trauma, loss, and the inability to move forward. As unsettling events begin to unfold around the couple, buried emotions and unanswered questions resurface, drawing them into a disturbing mystery. Blending psychological tension with supernatural horror, the film explores the devastating effects of grief and obsession.

Super absorbent SAP Technology

STICKING TOGETHER

Offering support is the greatest gift you can give, when done right

By bazaar staff

One of the hardest things to do is watch someone you care about go through a difficult time and feel unsure how to help. Many of us default to one of two unhelpful extremes: either we dive in with advice and solutions before the person has finished speaking, or we hold back entirely, afraid of saying the wrong thing. The truth is that most people who are struggling do not primarily need to be fixed. They need to feel less alone.

The most powerful thing you can offer a friend who is struggling is your full, unhurried attention. This means listening without preparing your response while they are still talking. It means resisting the urge to relate everything back to your own experience. It means tolerating the discomfort of sitting with someone in pain without immediately trying to resolve it. This kind of presence is rarer than it sounds and more valuable than almost anything else you could offer.

Ask before advising. A simple “Would it help to talk through some options, or do you mostly need to vent?” can completely change the dynamic of a conversation. When people feel heard, they become more open to perspective. When they feel rushed toward a solution they did not ask for, they

often shut down. Giving someone the choice is itself a form of respect.

Resist the minimizing instinct. When someone shares their distress, it is natural to want to reassure them to say “I’m sure it will be fine” or “Try not to worry.” But for the person inside the experience, this can feel dismissive, as though their pain is being repackaged as an overreaction. Acknowledging what they are going through: “That sounds genuinely hard”: is more grounding than reassurance.

Follow up. One of the most meaningful things you can do for a struggling friend is to remember what they told you and check in later. A brief message a few days after a difficult conversation: “I’ve been thinking about you, how are you doing?”:

communicates that they were not just a moment in your schedule. They were something you carried with you. That matters enormously.

And know your limits. You are not a therapist, and it is not your responsibility to resolve someone else’s pain. If a friend’s struggles seem beyond what conversation can address, gently and with care, you can suggest they speak to a professional. Doing this is not abandoning them: it is one of the most genuinely helpful things you can do.

During a community-wide crisis: when the difficulty is not isolated to one person but spread across everyone you know: the emotional labor of showing up for others can quietly accumulate into something unsustainable. You may find yourself fielding anxious calls from multiple friends, holding

space for your parents’ fears while managing your own, and checking in on neighbors while simultaneously trying to keep your household functioning. This is not selfishness to name. It is a real and legitimate risk.

The language of “putting on your own oxygen mask first” has become a cliché precisely because it is true and because most people resist doing it. We tell ourselves that our needs are smaller, our struggles less acute, that we can handle it a little longer. But compassion fatigue is real: it is a recognized psychological state in which prolonged exposure to others’ pain gradually erodes your capacity to feel and respond. When it sets in, you do not become a worse person. You become an exhausted one.

The antidote is not to stop caring. It is to care more deliberately. This means being honest with yourself about your own emotional state before picking up the phone. It means setting boundaries around how much of your energy you can give on a given day, and honoring those limits without guilt. It means having at least one person in your life: a partner, a sibling, a close friend: with whom the flow of support goes both ways, so that you are not always the one holding and never the one held.

It also means recognizing when you need to step back temporarily. Saying “I care about you and I am not in the right place to talk right now: can we speak tomorrow?” is not a failure of friendship. It is an act of honesty that protects both you and the relationship. Showing up half-present and resentful helps no one. Showing up rested and genuinely available, even if less frequently, is far more sustaining for everyone involved.

There is something that tends to get lost in the framing of support as a form of labor: the fact that genuine connection, even in hard times, carries its own sustenance. When you sit with a friend in their difficulty and they feel less alone because of it, something happens to you too. Research on prosocial behavior: acts done for the benefit of others: consistently shows that giving support activates the same reward pathways in the brain as receiving it. Helping is not only costly. It is also nourishing.

Community crisis, for all its hardship, has a way of stripping away the social performance that characterizes ordinary times. When everyone is struggling, there is less pretense. Conversations become more honest. Relationships that were once polite and surface-level develop unexpected depth. People who might never have spoken find themselves sharing a moment of genuine recognition: of the particular fatigue of this particular time, of the specific difficulty of raising

children at home or worrying about elderly parents or simply not knowing what comes next. This is not to romanticize difficulty. Hard times are hard. But within them, there is often a quality of human connection that is harder to access when things are easy: a closeness born of shared vulnerability, a warmth that arises when people stop performing and simply show up as they are. The friend you supported through a crisis becomes a different kind of friend. The neighbor you checked on becomes someone you know. The community you live in becomes, briefly and beautifully, something you can feel.

Let that be part of what sustains you. Let the connection itself be a source of joy, not only a responsibility. Because in the end, the most honest thing we can say about supporting others in difficult times is this: we do not do it only out of duty. We do it because we need each other, and because being needed: being the person someone calls, the voice that helps, the presence that steadies: is one of the quiet privileges of being alive and in relationship with other people.

Photos by Neil Thomas and Shane Rounce on Unsplash.

GEMINI

(May 21 – Jun 20)

It is your season, and momentum is building around you. June brings fresh energy, new conversations, and opportunities to reconnect with your goals. Trust your curiosity, but avoid chasing too many directions at once. Focus turns potential into progress.

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22)

As your season approaches, June encourages rest, reflection, and emotional clarity. Pay attention to what your intuition has been trying to tell you. Let go of obligations that no longer serve you. Creating space now will make room for meaningful growth later.

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Community and collaboration take center stage this month. June highlights friendships, networking, and shared ambitions. The right connection could open an unexpected door. Stay open to new perspectives and trust the value of teamwork.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Career matters move into focus, bringing opportunities to demonstrate your skills and commitment. June rewards preparation and steady effort. A professional goal may feel closer than it has in months. Stay patient and trust the process.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

June invites you to broaden your horizons through travel, learning, or a fresh perspective. A new experience helps you see an old situation differently. Keep an open mind and welcome opportunities that challenge your assumptions. Growth begins outside your comfort zone.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

This month encourages deeper reflection around trust, commitment, and shared resources. June is an opportunity to address lingering concerns and strengthen important foundations. Honest conversations bring clarity. What feels complicated now becomes simpler once it is acknowledged.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Relationships take priority in June. Whether personal or professional, partnerships benefit from open communication and mutual understanding. A connection may evolve in an unexpected but positive direction. Listen as carefully as you speak.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

June focuses on routines, wellbeing, and productivity. Small adjustments to your daily habits can create significant results over time. Avoid taking on too much at once. Consistency remains your greatest advantage.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Creativity and self-expression flow more naturally this month. June encourages you to pursue what genuinely excites you rather than what simply feels practical. A personal project gains momentum. Trust your instincts and enjoy the process.

PISCES

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Home and family matters come into focus. June encourages you to strengthen the foundations that support your emotional wellbeing. A conversation or decision brings a greater sense of security. Comfort and stability become valuable sources of energy.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

June is a month of movement, communication, and fresh ideas. Conversations move quickly, and new opportunities emerge through everyday interactions. Stay curious but organized. The more clearly you express yourself, the more progress you make.

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

Your attention shifts toward resources, finances, and long-term security. June encourages practical decisions that support future goals. Trust your instincts when evaluating opportunities. Steady choices now create lasting confidence in the months ahead.